DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1933.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1933 Session I, H-22

H.—22.

1933. NEW ZEALAND

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1933.

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

Sir, — Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, Ist September, 1933. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1933. I have, &c, Malcolm Fraser, Under-Secretary. The Hon. J. A. Young, Minister of Internal Affairs.

REPORT.

Local Government. The closer contact established with local authorities as a result of the prevailing economic conditions, resulting in certain unprecedented actions being taken, and the general trend of thought in regard to local government generally, made the year a noted one in the local-government activities of the Department. Counties. —The boundaries (if six counties were altered, and county and riding boundaries were affected by borough boundary alterations. Three County Councils passed special orders altering riding boundaries and, in two cases, adjusting representation. Certain powers of Borough Councils with respect to water-supply were conferred on the Waikato and Waitaki County Councils, the powers in the latter case being exercisable over the Kurow area only. The time for holding the annual meeting of two County Councils was extended. As required by law, the triennial general election of members of County Councils throughout the Dominion was held on the 11th May, 1932. The time for holding the election in the Mackenzie County was extended, it having been interrupted by exceptional weather conditions. The recent legislation contained in the Counties Amendment Act, 1931, was availed of to a considerable extent, twelve more County Councils having passed special ordesrs abolishing the system of separate riding finance in counties. Boroughs. —The boundaries of the City of Auckland and of the Borough of Timaru were altered by the inclusion of additional areas and two further cases of altering borough boundaries were considered, but had not yet been disposed of. The Cambridge Borough Council passed a special order reducing the number of members of the Council to six. The One Tree Hill Borough Council was given temporary authority to deposit certain surplus funds with the Auckland City Council. The Municipal Conference, postponed for two successive years on account of the exceptional economic conditions prevailing, was held at Rotorua on the 2nd and 3rd March, 1933. The Conference was of particular interest, partly on account of the lapse of time since the previous one was held at Invercargill in 1930, and partly because of the exceptional times through which we are passing. The responsibilities and difficulties of local authorities were greatly increased thereby, and gave rise to discussions on local-government problems of more than the usual importance. The Department was again represented at the Conference, thus ensuring an intimate knowledge of the problems and difficulties which the local authorities have to face. A report of the proceedings of the Conference was later printed and submitted to the Government for consideration of the several remits and resolutions passed.

I—H. 22.

H.—22.

Town Districts. —A petition for the constitution of the Kurow Town District, in the County of Waitaki, was declined as insufficient evidence was adduced to establish the necessity for the creation of a further local-governing authority in that area. The boundaries of the Te Kauwhata Town District, in the County of Waikato, were extended. Town Board elections were held on the 21st September, 1932, in accordance with law, and an extension of the polling-hours was granted in the case of the Papatoetoe Town Board. Road Districts. —The Anama Road District was merged in the County of Ashburton. River Districts. —An additional area was included in the Otaki River District. River Board elections were held on the 10th January, 1933, and the results thereof were gazetted in accordance with law. Extensions of time for holding the election were granted in four cases. Members were appointed in two cases. Land Drainage Districts—Seven petitions for alterations of boundaries of drainage districts were considered. The boundaries were altered in four cases, the remaining ones being still under consideration. A Proclamation was issued fixing the control and cost of maintenance of the Mangaonua Stream, in the County of Waikato. The Ngaroto Drainage Board passed a special order iubdividing its district and fixing representation for subdivisions. Several drainage board elections were held on the 7th November, 1932, and the results were gazetted in accordance with law. An extension of time was granted for holding the election of Trustees for the Freshfield Drainage District. Trustees were appointed in three cases. By-laws of Local Bodies. —By-laws of three County Councils were approved in terms of section 109 of the Counties Act, 1920. Four sets of by-laws were confirmed under the By-laws Act, 1910. Public Bodies Leases Act. —Two leasing authorities were declared under this Act. Rating Act. —Proposals to adopt the system of rating on the improved value were carried in the Hawke's Bay County and in the Mackenzie County. The time was extended for the preparation of a valuation roll for the rating of mining property in the Grey County. Minor irregularities in connection with the Mount Eden Borough Council's rates for the year were validated. Urban Farm Land Rating. —Over a number of years the vexed question of the rating of farm land in boroughs has been prominently before the Department. In 1928 a Commission which investigated the subject found that the rates payable by the occupiers of this class of land were unduly burdensome, and, with a view to affording some measure of relief, recommended to the Government the adoption of a system of classification of borough lands for rating purposes and the levying of differential rates according to the classified areas. In 1929 the Urban Farm Lands Rating Bill, designed to give effect to the recommendations of the Commission, was introduced, but was not allowed to proceed. The Municipal Conference subsequently examined the subject closely and recommended an alternative method. During the 1932 session the Urban Farm Land Rating Act, which was based on the scheme submitted by the Municipal Association, was passed and its progress through Parliament evoked considerable interest. In the main, the Act deals with urban farm land in two categories, viz. : — (a) Properties of 3 acres or over : (6) Properties of less than 3 acres. In the former case the Act provides that the Borough Council, upon receiving an application from the occupier of any urban farm land containing not less than 3 acres, shall, if satisfied that a prima facie case for relief has been made out, prepare a list, called the Farm-land List, of all such properties in the borough. The list is to be in similar form to the valuation roll for the borough, and is to contain the same particulars, with the addition of a column for the " Special rateable value." Such value will be the ordinary rateable value or such smaller amount as the Council determines in the case of each property on the list. Provision is made for due notification of the contents of the list, for lodging objections against the Council's decisions, and for the determining of objections by an Assessment Court consisting of a Magistrate and two assessors. In the latter case the procedure is much the same ; but whereas all urban farm properties of not less than 3 acres have to be dealt with at the same time if an application is made in respect of any one of them, relief is to be granted in respect of urban farm properties under 3 acres only in those cases in which special application is made by each respective occupier, and appeal against a Council's decision is to a Magistrate alone. In both cases the relief to be given is by assessing the borough rates of each urban farm property on a reduced value called the " Special rateable value," which value is determined by the Borough Council after taking into consideration the several factors set out in the Act. This method of giving the relief was selected for practical convenience, as it involves fewer difficulties and less interference with the ordinary machinery of the Rating Act than the other methods of assessing the rates of each property in the ordinary way and then reducing the amount so assessed, or of assessing the rates of urban farm properties at a smaller sum in the pound than those of other properties. The " Special rateable value " is to be used for borough rating purposes, but, not being the property value in the true sense, it is not to be available for any other purpose. The " Special rateable values " are to continue in force for five years (except in certain circumstances fixed in the Act), when fresh application may be made for renewals. The Act applies to boroughs, town districts not forming part of any county, and road districts in Eden County. The preparation of various farm-land lists is in progress. Local Authorities Superannuation Act. —A special resolution passed by the Auckland Harbour Board, increasing certain benefits payable under this Act, was confirmed. Defaulting Local Authorities. —A somewhat unique position, arising out of the existing economic conditions, was brought about by the number of local authorities which were unable to meet their obligations and the unprecedented steps which were taken to meet the situation. The following arc the principal cases concerned : —

2

H.—22.

Matakaoa County: About the beginning of the year it was reported to the Department that the Matakaoa County Council was in a serious financial plight. This county which is very small-— about 295 square miles in area —is fairly steep hill country and lies between the Waiapu and Opotiki Counties with approximately fifty miles of coast-line extending from the East Cape to a few miles past Cape Runaway. It was constituted in 1920, and comprised the area then contained in the Awatere and Whangaparoa Ridings of the Waiapu County. There are 307 ratepayers in the county, of which 191 are Natives, occupying about 40 per cent, of the county in area and capital value, and the remainder mostly sheep-farmers. The County Council had loan liabilities amounting to £67,731 (of which £45,000 was borrowed in London, necessitating half-yearly payments of interest in London), a bank overdraft of about £10,000, and other sundry debts of over £4,000. It had practically no assets, and the prevailing depression had affected financially the few ratepayers to such extent thai a very small amount of rates was coming in. The Council, unable to obtain finance, could not carry on and thus sought the assistance of the Department. With the objective of continuing administration in the district and restoring the county to normal working conditions, the Department sought and obtained the assistance of the bank to continue making advances for essential administrative charges, and secured the leniency of other creditors in temporarily refraining from pressing for their accounts. Temporary arrangements were made for payments of the London interest falling due. Arrangements were also made for the Council to pursue a vigorous campaign of rate-collections, and for this purpose judgments were obtained for a large sum of overdue rates, but the response was very disappointing. By section 3 of the Local Elections and Polls Amendment Act, 1932, the term of office of the then existing members of the County Council was extended until May, 1935. As the year went on, however, it became increasingly apparent that some other form of control was necessary if a rehabilitation of the county was to be accomplished. For this purpose section 10 of the Local Legislation Act, 1932-33, made provision for the appointment of a Commissioner to control the Matakaoa County in lieu of the County Council. This section also makes special provision regarding the county's overdraft with the bank. Steps toward the appointment of a Commissioner are being taken. It is proper to point out that this case is an instance of the undesirability of creating small and insufficiently equipped local authorities to carry out work which could readily be administered by a larger and stronger local authority. Wairoa County : It was also reported to the Department that the Wairoa County Council had failed to meet its obligations to lenders, and that the appointment of a receiver was desired. The matter has now been satisfactorily adjusted and the Council has met its obligations. Thames Borough : The Thames Borough Council has been financially embarrassed for some time past, and, the position having become acute, it was brought before the Department with the object of some remedial provision being made. The loan indebtedness of the borough was approximately £250,000, involving annual interest and sinking-fund charges of £17,000. Accrued sinking funds amounted to £23,388. The Council was considerably in arrears with the payment of its interest-charges, and the overdraft at the bank was about £14,000. The capital value of the borough was £646,235, the unimproved value £170,306 (Thames rates unimproved), the population 4,750, and the number of ratepayers 1,100. Outstanding rates amounted to nearly £30,000, and as there was little prospect of collecting these arrears the position had become hopelessly involved. Thames had been built up largely on its mining industry, and in the more prosperous times and with the expectation of retaining a larger population (at one time it was 33,000) the borough loaded itself with heavy liabilities. Later on, mining operations diminished together with other activities on which the borough relied, and the general economic depression came about. The cumulative effect was too great for the borough to stand, and it became increasingly apparent that something in the nature of a " moratorium " was necessary. The Supervisor of Local Bodies Audit in the Audit Office had previously made a local investigation, and suggested a scheme of settlement for dealing with the financial position which had arisen. Following on this report, the majority of the principal creditors and the Borough Council entered into an agreement to meet the extraordinary position which had arisen and to ultimately stabilize the finances of the borough. On the basis of the scheme of settlement and the agreement, legislation was framed and passed by Parliament under the heading of the " Thames Borough Commissioner Act, 1932." The principal features of the Act are— (a) Provision, subject to certain safeguards, for the control of the Thames Borough until May, 1935, by a Commissioner in lieu of a Council: (6) Appointment of an Advisory Committee representative of the Borough Council, to advise the Commissioner : (c) The Commissioner to act in consultation with the Advisory Committee, but to have supreme power in respect of the making, levying, or recovery of rates. Disputes between the Commissioner and Committee on other than rating matters to be determined by arbitration : (d) The rights of the debenture-holders were modified (in accordance with the agreement) by releasing the accrued sinking funds to such debenture-holders in reduction of loans ; by capitalizing one year's interest ; by providing for a pro rata division of the proceeds of special rates and the total amount paid to any debenture-holder on account of any instalment of interest being accepted by him in full satisfaction of such instalment; and by removing the rights of debenture-holders to seek the appointment of a receiver or otherwise proceed to recover their principal or interest :

3

H.— 22.

(c) Various other provisions aimed at protecting different rights and interests, fitting in with the machinery of local government and amplifying the main principles of the scheme of the legislation. The operation of the Act was made dependent upon the appointment of a Commissioner and, except for certain safeguarding provisions, the Act will operate only so long as a Commissioner is in office. In order to safeguard the rights and interests of debenture-holders section I of the Act. in authorizing the Governor-General in Council to appoint the Thames Borough Commissioner, provided, inter alia, for — (a) A prior recommendation from the debenture-holders or a majority in value of them ; (b) The Governor-General being satisfied that the interests of any dissenting debenture-holder would not lie prejudicially affected by the making of the appointment. Certain Australian lenders, holding debentures to the value of £28,500, were opposed to the appointment of a Commissioner, and they presented their case to the Government. Steps towards the appointment of a Commissioner were accordingly delayed in order to give those debenture-holders an opportunity of applying to the Supreme Court for the appointment of a receiver. Applications were duly made to the Court which were first adjourned and later declined. In due course, on the recommendation of a majority in value of the debenture-holders, and with the concurrence of the Thames Harbour Hoard debenture-holders and the Thames Borough Council, Mr. C. L. Grange, then Town Clerk of the City of Invercargill, was appointed Thames Borough Commissioner. Mr. Grange assumed office on the 21st September, 1932, and on that date the Thames Borough Council ceased to exercise its ordinary powers and functions. Following thereon an Advisory Committee was appointed in terms of section 7 of the Act. The Commissioner's duties broadly fall under the three following headings : — (a) Administering the Borough of Thames in terms of the Thames Borough Commissioner Act, 1932. (b) Safeguarding the rights and interests of the debenture-holders as modified by that Act. (c) Investigating ways and means of reviving trade and industry in the borough. The Commissioner has furnished quarterly reports upon his administration, and generally he has worked in close co-operation with the Department, and it is gratifying to record that at the close of the year his administration had shown a decided improvement in the borough affairs. 65 per cent, of the current rates had been collected, as against 54 per cent, for the previous year, and a greatly increased percentage of arrears had been collected. Substantial economies had been effected while further ecoi ties were in train. The bank overdraft had been greatly reduced and the debentureholders had been paid 50 per cent, of the interest due. Further legislation dealing with the administration of the Borough of Thames by the Commissioner is contained in sections 34 to 40 of the Local Legislation Act, 1932-33. Thames Harbour Board : Another case of a defaulting local authority was the Thames Harbour Board. The general depression, alterations in the form of transport, and the particular difficulties of the Thames district so severely affected the revenues of the Thames Harbour Board that it was unable to meet its total obligations to lenders. The Board had raised four loans totalling £76,000. Three of these loans, totalling £66,000, are, by special legislation, secured by a special rate over the Borough of Thames, the scheme of such legislation being that, if there is insufficient revenue to meet interest charges thereon, a rate is levied to provide the balance. The difficulties of the Thames Borough ratepayers have already been referred to, and these difficulties were reflected in the Harbour Hoard's attempts to collect rates from the borough, causing it to default. As a result of various conferences and other negotiations by the principal parties concerned, including the debenture-holders, agreements were reached sufficient to give the Harbour Board temporary relief. The result was embodied in the Thames Harbour Board Loans Adjustment Act, 1932-33. Under this Act provision was made for the repayment of £10,000 loan by means of the accrued sinking fund thereon amounting to £9,313 125.; the payment to debenture-holders of accumulated sinking funds of the other three loans; payment of full interest up to the 30th September, 1932; postponement of payment of further interest until other liabilities of the Board have been met, and then payment in full settlement of such interest of whatever amount is available for the purpose ; limitation of powers of debenture-holders to apply for the appointment of a receiver ; continuing then existing members of the Harbour Board in office until May, 1935 ; power for the appointment, if considered desirable, of a Commissioner and an Advisory Committee ; and various other provisions aimed at fitting in with the machinery of local government. Local Government Reform. —The question of the reform of the system of Local Government was again prominent. The announcement that the Minister of Internal Affairs would investigate the matter was followed up by the appointment by Cabinet of an intei -departmental Committee comprising representatives of the Departments of Internal Affairs, Public Works, Valuation, Lands and Survey, Treasury, and Health. The Committee was instructed to collect data and make recommendations to the Government. The Committee did not commence its real work until near the close of the year, and at that time it had collected considerable data and was well advanced in the formulation of proposals. Legislation. In addition to the Urban Farm Land Rating Act, 1932, the Thames Borough Commissioner Act, 1932, the Thames Harbour Board Loans Adjustment Act, 1932-33, and the Matakaoa County legislation, referred to under appropriate headings elsewhere in this report, the following legislation affecting the Department was under review :— Local Elections and, Polls Amendment Act, 1932. —This Act temporarily modified certain statutory provisions disqualifying defaulting ratepayers from voting at elections and polls, and from nominating or being nominated as candidates for election as members of certain local authorities.

4

H.—22.

Municipal Association Act, 1932. —This Act incorporated the Municipal Association of New Zealand as a statutory body and made certain provisions for the functioning thereof. Section 26, Finance Act, 1932 (No. 2), and Section 27, Finance Act, 1932-33 (No. 2). —These sections further extended the power given to local authorities to remit the 10-per-cent. penalty on unpaid rates. Local Legislation Act. —The usual Local Legislation Act contained sixty-five clauses affecting the activities of numerous local authorities and public bodies. Local Acts. —Sixteen local Bills were submitted to the Department by the Local Bills Committee for examination and report. Twelve of such Bills were passed into law. Municipal Corporations Bill.— This Bill was originally prepared as a consolidation of the Municipal Corporations Act. 1920, and amendments, but later on an opportunity was taken to revise and rearrange the existing provisions and to make such substantive amendments and additions as were considered necessary to remedy defects and meet present-day needs of Borough Councils. The Bill created considerable interest in Parliament and in boroughs generally, and progress on it was slow. At the close of the session it had only readied the stage of the Short Title having been passed. Local Government Officers' Bill. —The New Zealand Institute of Town Clerks and the New Zealand Institute of County Clerks had combined in making representations to the Government for the provisions of this Bill, and it was introduced during last session. The objects of the Bill were In provide a legislative system whereby examinations may be conducted in subjects relating to local government and the adminisl ration thereof, and diplomas granted to those qualifying. This innovation m local government in this Dominion was sought for the purpose, inter alia, of raising the standard of efficiency of local government officers and enabling local authorities which so desire to use this academic test as a guide to them in selecting their officers. The Bill was referred to the Local Bills Committee which heard considerable evidence, and reported that, as certain organizations connected with the local authorities named in the Bill had not had an opportunity of fully considering its provisions, the liill should be held over. It was therefore not proceeded with last session and in the interval it has been receiving the consideration of the organizations referred to by the Local Bills Committee. Town-planning. The activities of the Town-planning Section of the Department were again severely restricted during the past year, owing to the paramount need for economy. One meeting of the Town-planning Board was held. In addition, one meeting was held respectively of the Napier Town-planning Scheme, Recess, and Legislation Committees of the Board. A short amendment was made to the Napier Town-planning Regulations, 1931, so as to provide for claims for compensation under those regulations being heard and determined by the Hawke's Bay Adjustment Court. The term of office of the nominated members of the Town-planninjj Board expired during the year and appointments were made to fill the vacancies. All the retiring members were reappointed with the exception of Messrs. J. G. Alexander and A. G. Harper, the two new members being Messrs. F. C. Widdop and Malcolm Fraser. Mr. J. W. Mawson, F.R.1.8.A., .M.T.1'.1., M.l.Struct.E., relinquished his position as Director of Town-planning on the 31 si March, 1933. He was appointed to that position on the Ist October, 1928, for a period of five vears. but sought the consent of the Government to the termination of the contract, which was agreed to. Animals Protection and Game Act. Shooting Seasons. —As in the past, open seasons for the taking or killing of imported and native game were declared in the various acclimatization districts. For the first time it has been decided to impose a bag-limit on the number of godwits which may be shot per gun per day. The number of acclimatization districts in which an open season for godwits will be observed in 1934 has been reduced. It has also been decided to observe a close season for knots throughout the Dominion next year. Importations. —Representations are made from time to time to the Department that fur-bearing animals such as the musk-rat should be introduced. These have, however, been definitely resisted. Consequent on an outbreak of Newcastle Disease (pseudo fowl pest) in Victoria, it was decided in November last not to grant any further authorities under the Animals Protection and Game Act, 1921-22, for the importation of birds from Australia until more information as to the incidence of the disease had been obtained. While authorities have later been granted in some cases, the conditions have been made much more stringent than previously, to obviate the possibility of the introduction of disease and spread to our wild birds and poultry. In practically all cases the applications dealt with have been in respect of cage birds. Birds. —It is pleasing to note the growing public interest in New Zealand birds. Reports from the Department's Officers and other sources indicate that some species of absolutely protected birds are on the increase. Unfortunately, poaching, particularly in the case of the native pigeon, is still being carried on. There have, however, been numerous convictions for these breaches, and salutary fines in most cases inflicted. The policy of declaring areas as sanctuaries has been followed where the necessary consent of owners or controlling authorities has been forthcoming and the areas are suitable. Concern is being displayed as to the reduction in numbers of grey duck, and it is apparent that methods of conservation will have to be seriously considered.

5

11.—22.

Rotorua Acclimatization District. Birds.— Ducks were- more plentiful at Tokaanu this year as compared with recent years, and they were also plentiful in the Wairoa and Bay of Plenty areas. A close season for game was observed in the Opotiki County. Pheasants do not appear to increase, although numbers have been liberated each year, the number liberated last year being 427. Quail also do not appear to increase, and by reason of the scarcity of the Virginian variety it has been decided not to include that class in the list of birds which may be shot during the 1933 game season. Godwits were again plentiful on the mudflats of the Ohiwa Harbour, but were scarce elsewhere within the district. Black teal are thriving at Hamurana, but are scarce elsewhere. Several pairs of kakariki have been seen on the lower slopes of the Kaimanawa Range near the fall on the Tongariro River. In general, the native birds are I briving throughout the district, and it is interesting to record that a matata was seen in the Bay of Plenty area, while a toutouwai was twice observed near the upper reaches of the Waitahanui River at a considerable distance from any heavy bush. In the Urewera district numbers of tui, kereru, korimako, popokotea, tititi-pounamu, riroriro, miromiro, kiwi, tiwakawaka (pied), and totokipio are to be seen and heard. Prosecutions. —For breaches of the Acts and regulations relating to fishing and shooting a total of thirty informations were laid, of which twenty-five convictions were recorded. The fines imposed totalled £127. A quantity of fishing-gear and a number of firearms were confiscated. Waikaremoana Sanctuary. —Sixty permits were issued to destroy deer, wild pigs, and wild cattle in the sanctuary at Waikaremoana, with satisfactory results. Thermal Fisheries. The condition of the fish caught in the lakes, rivers, and streams within the thermal area is considered to show an improvement as compared with the previous year. Very few poor-conditioned fish were seen by the rangers or reported by anglers. The fish handled at the Tongariro Hatchery were well conditioned, and of several hundred netted for inspection from the Waingaihe and Waiohiro Streams at Lake Rotorua one fish only was in a condition which warranted its destruction. A feature of the season was the large numbers of young fish taken which may reasonably be claimed to be a result of the Department's restocking activities. The flooding of the Tongariro River in March was the most extensive for seven years, and although it altered several pools it probably contributed to the excellent fishing-results for the remainder of the season. Exchange of Ova. —An exchange of 250,000 rainbow-trout ova for a similar number of brown-trout ova was made with the North Canterbury Acclimatization Society. The ova received was in good condition, and satisfactory results were obtained from the batching of 200,000 at Rotorua and 50,000 at Tongariro. The fry from the former were released in the Taahunaatara Stream and from the latter in the Waipunga and Taharua Streams. Tongariro Hatchery. —Operations were commenced during April, but it was not until 7th June that the fish commenced to " run " in sufficient numbers to warrant stripping, on which date 135,000 eggs were collected. From 2,024 fish stripped the yield was 5,339,000. Of this number, 1,550,000 eyed ova were sold, 250,000 were exchanged, 2,127,000 were forwarded to the Rotorua Hatchery, 400,000 to the Waikaremoana Hatchery, and the balance of 1,012,000 were batched into fry. The whole of these fry were released in the various rivers and streams running into Lake Taupo. Rotorua Hatchery.—A barrier placed across the Waingahe Stream on Mr. Douslin's property, near Rotorua, served the dual purpose of preventing the fish from gaining access to the shallow upper reaches where they could be illegally caught with ease and as a trap for stripping purposes. Some 230,000 eggs were taken there, and these, together with 2,127,000 from Tongariro and 200,000 from North Canterbury, were successfully hatched. Of the fry hatched, 129,000 were sold and 2,428,000 were liberated in various lakes and streams in the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty areas. Waikaremoana Hatchery. —Operations were confined to the hatching of 400,000 eggs received from the Tongariro Hatchery. The whole of the fry were liberated in Lake Waikaremoana and rivers in the Wairoa area. Marked Fingerlings. —The marked fingerlings which were reared from ova received directed from California, and which were released in Lake Okaro during March, 1931, have done well. Specimens up to \\ lb. in weight were caught during the early part of November. Food-supplies. —Food for the trout is abundant throughout. The smelts which were established in Lake Rotokakahi multiplied very rapidly, and 18,000 of them were netted. These, together with several lots taken from Lake Rotorua, were released in Lakes Okareka and Tarawera. A small number of kokopu was also released in Lake Okareka. Scientific Operations. —During January and the early part of February numbers of dead Toi Toi were seen in Lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti, and Rotoehu. The mortality was greatest in the last-named lake. An examination of several specimens disclosed infestation of either Ichthyophthirius muUifiliis or the nematode worm. Post-mortem examinations of numerous trout were made, which afforded conclusive evidence that the prevalence of the nematode worm has greatly decreased. Permanent Improvements. —The northern bank of the Waikato River within the Taupo Landing Reserve is being levelled and drained, which, when finished, will allow of the provision of boat-shed sites for lease to the public. The Tongariro Hatchery building has been enlarged, and this, together with a rearrangement of the troughs, has extended the capacity to 600,000 eggs. The huts adjacent to the Tongariro Hatchery have been lined and repaired. Facilities. —The information bureau in the Taupo Landing Reserve has been maintained and the tracks leading to numerous stretches of fishable water have been kept in repair. Tagging of Trout. —In order to ascertain the movement of trout in Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti, some 100 fish were caught and tagged in the Waingaihe and Waiohiro Streams, which flow into Lake Rotorua.

6

H.—22.

Opossums. No trapping seasons were declared in 1932. Open seasons for 1933 have been decided upon. Deer. General Policy. The policy outlined in previous reports in regard to the deer menace has been continued and further progress made. The rough inaccessible country '.a the South Island which has in the past provided the spreading-grounds for deer is being dealt with by the Department's parties, while commercial hunters arc operating in the more accessible areas in both islands also. There is ample evidence to show that these operations are making considerable inroads on the parent stocks of deer. Many letters of appreciation have been received from South Island property-owners as to the beneficial results derived from these deer-destruction operations. The Department's policy of endeavouring to commercialize the work of deer destruction by, if possible, establishing a market for the skins, is proving satisfactory and the right one for gaining effective control of the position. Towards this end a bonus on skins has been paid to commercial hunters where difficulty is experienced in otherwise disposing of the skins. The skins become the property of the Department on payment of the bonus and are included with skins saved by the official parties and sold. Private enterprise at one stage entered actively into the purchase of skins from hunters, and the Department's bonus was then withdrawn. Private buying, however, ceased, and the bonus scheme was again introduced. It has been possible to educate hunters to treat and care for skins based on the experience gained from the handling of skins saved by official parties, and buyers have expressed appreciation of the stage to which it has been possible to bring the standard. In addition to disposal of skins for oversea orders, large numbers have been sold for use in New Zealand. One Dominion firm is going in extensively for the manufacture of deer-skin leather and articles made from the leather, and is purchasing supplies of skins from the Department. A new industry is thus in a fair way of being established in the Dominion; a commodity previously largely wasted is being turned to commercial account, and new avenues of employment have been found for many men. Year's Operations. The principal operations during the year were carried out in South Westland, but a small party also worked in the Makarora District. The campaign carried out in South Westland by the Department's official parties this year was more difficult than anything previously attempted. It was realized that it would not be possible to save the usual proportion of skins, even under normal conditions. Abnormal weather conditions greatly added to the difficulties experienced, and numbers of skins which it was possible to save in spite of transport difficulties were subsequently lost. Owing to almost continuous rain and recurring floods, the skins could not be dried, and, becoming putrefied, had to be abandoned. Parties were marooned for lengthy periods, and a heavy fall of snow nearly a month earlier than usual abruptly and unexpectedly terminated the operations. Great progress has been made in dealing with the deer-menace in the Makarora, Hunter, Dingle, Ahuriri, Hopkins, and Dobson Valleys, but, owing to their contiguity, the problem of keeping the deer effectively in check there is bound up with that of South Westland, and no more effective blow can be struck than further action in the latter places. Commercial hunters are operating and doing good though limited work in the valleys referred to, but it appears to be imperative that this Department deal with South Westland, as no one else will do so, and efforts elsewhere will fail to produce the desired result. Since the commencement of the Department's policy of saving and marketing deer-skins, over 15,000 have been sold. The result of the parties' operations from November last to April was that 6,357 deer were destroyed and 1,746 skins saved. The average number of deer killed per man for the season was the highest so far attained. In the Landsborough Valley one man operating entirely alone shot sixty-eight deer in one day. Owing to the more accessible nature of.the country, a larger proportion of skins was recovered in the Makarora district than in South Westland. Need for Continued Operations. In addition to the heavy infestation of the better-known valleys of the South Westland region, it was found that the previously almost unchecked natural increase of the (leer was resulting in a gradual widening of the infested area, as the deer were compelled by the depletion of the food-supplies in their old haunts to move into other valleys. All of these valleys were penetrated to and can be satisfactorily dealt with. Fortunately the spread has not yet proceeded any very great distance and can be successfully checked if action is taken at once. Comprising as they do the main divide of the South Island and the source of many very important rivers, the South Westland native forests have a very important function in regulating the flow of water and preventing erosion. The very heavy rainfall has produced a very abundant flora, which is but a provision of Nature to protect the mountains from the erosion which would inevitably result from such a heavy rainfall were it not for the presence of such bush. Both forest damage by deer and erosion are conditions which develop suddenly, as deer can live for some time in a forest before they actually gain the ascendancy of the natural regenerative growth. When this stage is reached the end comes quickly, and in a very short time the forest community is composed only of adults with no protective floor-covering. Simultaneously erosion sets in, and, as

7

H.—22,

the South Westland forest has now reached the state described, the great menace of erosion is already revealing its potentialities for widespread waste and destruction. It is imperative that vigorous action be pursued in the policy of deer-destruction and there is good reason for believing that a satisfactory degree of regeneration can be restored and erosion checked. Naturalization. Sixty-two certificates of naturalization were granted, which included, in two cases, the issue of certificates to persons who had been naturalized under the former statutes of this Dominion. An essential requirement of the Act is that every applicant must declare his intention to reside permanently within His Majesty's dominions, and while this is in all cases complied with it has been observed that a number of persons have been domiciled in their country of origin within a short time of their being admitted to British nationality. It is obviously difficult to prove wilful intention to make a false declaration in respect of future residence, but, nevertheless, the problem is being closely watched. Passports. The possession of a valid passport is still essential for travel overseas, with the exception of Brit ish subjects travelling between New Zealand and Australia. Almost every new passport is issued to a resident of New Zealand, and the decrease in the number of such people travelling abroad is evidenced by the issue of 4,909 passports for the year ended 31st March, 1930, as compared with 2,882 for the year under review. The renewals effected for the foregoing periods were 817 and 663 respectively. Visas granted to aliens for travel to different parts of the British Empire numbered 68. Land-agents. Seven hundred and thirty licenses were issued and 11 transfers granted, as compared with 811 licenses and 9 transfers last year. Auctioneers. Four hundred and thirty-four licenses were issued, 10 transfers granted, and 329 changes of endorse ment of seller made, as compared with 478 licenses, 16 transfers, and 289 changes of endorsement last year. Seven eases of defaulting auctioneers were dealt with, and the bond was enforced in six of such cases. Chartered Clubs. No charters have been granted since the year 1908, and the number still stands at forty-six; The charter of the Ashburton Club is again in force, consequent upon a change of electoral boundaries whereby the Borough of Ashburton became part of a "license" district. The reports furnished by the various inspectors denote that all the chilis are conducted in a proper manner, and t hat t hey continue to fulfil the conditions under which the charters were granted. Maori Antiquities Act, 1908. Seven warrants were issued authorizing the exportation of Maori artifacts of various description. but in each case they were articles of which there are numerous other specimens in New Zealand. In ten cases the articles submitted for examination were found to be of modern manufacture, and therefore did not come within the scope of the Act. Distinguished Visitors. Oversea parliamentarians who visited New Zealand included the Right Hon. S. M. Bruce, the lion. Sir 11. S. (iullett, and the Hon. Sir Massy Greene (Australia), Mr. C. M. Barclay-Harvey, M.P., and the Right Hon. Sir Hugh O'Neill (Great Britain). Foreign visitors included Comte de Baillet-Latour, President of the Olympia Games, and the Japanese Cruisers " Asama " and " Iwatc " under the command of Vice-Admiral Nobujiro Imamura. War Graves. The Department received notification of the deaths of 412 returned soldiers. Of these, eighty-sev en were accepted as war graves — i.e., the cause of death was attributable to disabilities sustained on or aggravated by war service—thus bringing the total number of war graves in New Zealand at the close of the year to 2,759. Temporary crosses to mark all the war graves reported, and also the non-war graves in the Soldiers' Blocks where such have been provided in various cemeteries throughout the Dominion, were placed on 162 graves, and headstones to the number of 105 were ordered. Additional constructional work was carried out in the Soldiers' Block at the Rotorua Cemetery and in the South African War Veterans' Block in the Karori Cemetery. The Maori War Veterans' Cemetery at Pokeno was thoroughly renovated and fenced and has now been handed over to the Franklin County Council, which has accepted responsibility for its future maintenance. Printed Cemetery Registers containing the names and regimental and family particulars of all those buried in New Zealand who died from war disabilities up to and including the ,'Ust August, 1931, the official date of termination of the war, were received from the Imperial War Graves Commission.

8

H.—22.

War Funds. The number of active war funds remains the same as last year —viz., fifty-seven —and the latest returns from societies show the total balances as follow :— £ s. d. Twenty-eight incorporated societies .. .. .. .. 576,844 7 7 Seven Red Cross Organizations .. .. .. .. 108,622 7 9 Three Blind Soldiers and Veterans Homes Funds .. .. 76,704 5 2 Twelve incorporated societies .. .. .. .. 2,979 12 1 One Navy League Fund .. .. .. .. 4,603 12 9 One Social Fund .. .. .. .. 1,752 16 8 Five Returned Soldiers' Clubs .. .. .. .. 18,441 6 6 789,948 8 6 National War Funds Council .. .. .. .. 149,273 3 4 £939,221 11 10 It is explained that a substantial percentage of the total is represented by funds for special trusts and by loans to soldiers. Totalizator Inspection. The policy of governmental inspection of totalizators, inaugurated during 1918, has continued, and a representative has been present on every occasion on which a totalizator was used throughout the year under review. The innovation of the " Win and Place " system of investment, whereby two separate pools are registered, has been an unqualified success and has worked smoothly, although some clubs have found their accommodation taxed to provide the increased facilities required. Its adoption by practically all clubs seems assured, and doubtless more permanent arrangements will be decided upon for the future. This new system, together with the sale of ss. tickets by a number of clubs, has contributed to a material addition of the duties of inspection. For various reasons the full number of totalizator licenses allocated to racing and trotting clubs has not been availed of, but these spare licenses have been applied for by other clubs desirous of holding additional meetings, and it is anticipated that the full number of licenses for use on 320 days, which is the annual maximum prescribed by statute, will actually be utilized. Raffles. Four hundred and seven licenses were issued under the authority of section 42 of the Gaming Act, 1908. Of these, 375 were for the disposal of works of art, 26 for small quantities of alluvial gold, and 6 for alluvial gold each of the value of £4,000. The following table discloses the financial results of the six large alluvial-gold raffles. The aggregate net profit amounted to £73,624 lis. 5d., and the lottery duty of 10 per cent, of the gross sales imposed under the Stamp Duties Amendment Act, 1931, totalled £15,478 18s. 9d.

It was decided to set aside an amount of £10,000 from each of the large alluvial-gold raffles conducted during the winter months of 1933 for the relief of distress throughout the Dominion, and the first such allocation was made from Art Union No. 22 (" Great Easter "). In the distribution of this sum the registrations of unemployment were taken as an index of the measure of distress existing in each locality, and, although the £10,000 was apportioned on this basis, the allocation was stipulated to be for the relief of distress generally and not merely for that arising out of unemployment. The Mayors' or other officially recognized relief funds in 154 centres benefited from license No. 22. Apart from the amount provided for the relief of distress, eighty-two organizations, covering a variety of activities, participated in sums of not less than £100 from the proceeds of raffles Nos. 17 to 22. Fire Brigades Act. The Boroughs of Mount Eden, Mount Albert, and Mosgiel were declared to be fire districts under the Act. The two former districts were subsequently included under the Auckland Metropolitan Fire District, which now comprises the Fire Districts of Auckland City, Onehunga, Newmarket, Mount Eden, Mount Albert, and Mount Roskill, and the local-authority districts of Ellerslie, One Tree Hill, and Mount Wellington. The number of Boards operating in New Zealand is now fifty-three. Legislation was enacted amending the Fire Brigades Act in several important directions, but mainly to secure unity of fire-brigade control in the Auckland Metropolitan area. Provision was also made for the biennial elections to be held in May instead of February ; Boards are required to submit their estimates for approval in April after the close of the financial year, and the statutory annual meeting is to be held in May. The procedure for the formation of united fire districts was also simplified in several respects.

2—H. 22.

9

License No. and Name. Gross Sales. °°n Sales™ Expenses. Prizes. Net Proceeds. Lottery Duty. Net Profit. £ 8. d. £ s. d. ! £ s. d. £ £ 8. d. £ 8. d. £ s. d. 17. Another Black Cat .. 28,967 10 0 4,345 2 6 3,638 12 4 4,000 16,983 15 2 2,896 15 0 14,087 0 2 18. .. 23,484 12 6 3,522 13 10| 3,047 6 8 4,000 12,914 11 Hi 2,348 9 3 10,566 2 8i 19. My Lucky Day .. 28,522 15 0 4,278 8 3 3,106 15 5 4,000 17,137 11 4 2,852 5 6 14,285 5 10 20. Merry Xmas .. .. 23,198 0 0 3,479 14 0 2,81117 6 4,000 | 12,906 8 6 2,319 16 0 10,586 12 6 21. My Lucky Year .. 26,825 2 6 4,023 15 4J 2,986 11 0 4,000 15,814 16 li 2,682 10 3 13,132 5 10£ 22. Great Easter .. .. 23,791 7 6 3,568 14 1J 2,876 6 3 4,000 13,346 7 1J 2,379 2 9 10,967 4 4J

H.— 22.

Explosives and Dangerous Goods. Explosive Licenses. —Importation licenses were as follow : Gelignite, 503,050 lb. ; blasting-gelatine, 2,500 lb. ; A2 monobel, 135,450 lb. ; quarry monobel, 10,000 lb. ; samsonite, 176,200 lb. ; blastingpowder, 75,000 lb. ; blasting-pellets, 87,500 ; smokeless powder, 22,480 lb. ; detonators, 900,000 ; E.D. fuses, 515,000 ; fireworks, 377 cases. Other licenses were (corresponding figures for the previous year in parentheses) : Conveyance, 234 (249); sales, 590 (622); storage, 374 (388). Examination of Explosives. —All shipments of explosives arriving in the country have been subjected to the usual examination, and there has been no recurrence of the trouble experienced in the case of the " Port Huon " consignment mentioned in the last annual report. Accidents. —One fatal accident in the handling of explosives occurred during the year. A small quantity of gelignite had been purchased by a farmer for blasting stumps, and after storage in a cupboard in the house overnight had become frozen. In order to thaw them the plugs were placed on a small iron shelf at the foot of the oven of the kitchen range, and within a few minutes an explosion took place, with fatal injuries to the man's wife and one of his children. The man himself and another child, who were in the room at the time, escaped practically unhurt. It is desirable to call attention to the dangers incidental to the handling of sodium chlorate, a compound which is finding extensive application in the farming industry for spraying noxious weeds. The chlorate is rich in oxygen and renders any organic matter with which it comes in contact highly inflammable- —for instance, clothing impregnated with it will ignite readily from a spark or flame. A typical accident attended with fatal results occurred during the year. The victim had been spraying ragwort and his clothing had become well saturated with chlorate solution and had subsequently dried out. Whilst smoking a cigarette at lunch-time a glowing ember fell on his clothes, which burst into fierce flames. A further danger lies in the fact that sodium chlorate when intimately mixed with organic matter forms a powerful explosive which is extremely sensitive to friction and percussion, and which under ordinary conditions of handling is liable to explode prematurely. It is understood that at farmers' meetings such mixtures have been described as " cheap and simple explosives " for farm use. Several accidents —at least one with serious consequences —have been recorded during the year, the mixture used being sodium chlorate and sugar. Explosives formed from such mixtures are not authorized for use in New Zealand, and the Department has issued a warning that the mixing of sodium chlorate with other materials to form explosives is illegal, and that a prosecution will be taken against any person found engaging in the practice. Irrespective of any injury which may be incurred, those concerned in the manufacture of this class of explosive are liable to a heavy monetary penalty. Dangerous Goods. — Local - authority administration : No new licensing authorities under the Explosive and Dangerous Goods Amendment Act, 1920, were appointed. In the course of the year's work practically every licensing-authority district was visited at least once by a departmental Inspector. Departmental administration : Inspection work in districts directly under the control of the Department was maintained as in past years. Licenses to the number of 2,033 were issued, as compared with 2,055 for the previous year. Legislation : The proposed amendment to the Dangerous Goods Regulations, 1928, referred to in the last annual report, has been made. The amendment provides for—(1) Special construction of depots licensed to contain quantities of dangerous goods in cases in quantities exceeding 10,000 gallons, (2) the storage of drums apart from cased goods, (3) the installation of more than one petrol-pump inside a building if protected by an approved " water sprinkler " installation. Accidents : Two fatal accidents involving dangerous goods were brought under notice. The first, which resulted in the death of a small boy aged two years and a half, occurred while his father was cleaning the engine of a motor-car with petrol. The petrol ignited, apparently from a spark caused by a short circuit, and the parent, in an attempt to prevent the fire communicating to spare petrol in a can, threw the contents away from the blaze. The petrol caught fire, and the blazing stream deluged the boy, who subsequently died in hospital from burns and shock. The second fatal accident was caused by the back-fire of an oil-furnace in the boiler-room of a factory. The burner is assumed to have failed temporarily, and on the foreman's attempting to relight it an explosion took place. The foreman was very badly burned and died from shock following the burns received. A number of minor accidents occurred during the year involving more or less serious personal injury or property damage. Fires whilst refuelling motor-vehicles account for the great majority of these accidents, and the causes were usually traceable to omission of some precaution laid down in the regulations. It is gratifying to note that no serious accidents due to home dry-cleaning have been reported. One accident worthy of mention was the explosion of an empty drum which was being cut in two with an acetylene torch. It was afterwards ascertained that the drum had been used for holding crankcase oil-drainings, which usually contain a small percentage of petrol. This type of accident is fortunately of infrequent occurrence in this country, and this particular one would never have taken place had the elementary precaution of thoroughly steaming out the drum been taken. Cinematograph Films Act. Licenses. —During the year ended 31st September, 1932, licenses were issued as follow (corresponding figures for the previous year in brackets) : Exhibitors, 436 (446) ; circuit exhibitors, 25 (34) ; renters, 13 (16) ; storage, 5 (3). Accidents. —Seven fires occurred in the projection of film, as compared with eight during the previous year. The quantity of film involved in these fires was very small, and in one case only was more than one spool burned. The enforcement of the safety regulations and the education of

10

H.-22

operators as to the action to be taken in case of fire has resulted in a reduction of both the number of fires and the property-loss to less than half of that which occurred prior to the operation of the Act. Regulations. —The Cinematograph Films (Censorship and Registration) Regulations provided that when the Censor issued a certificate recommending a film more especially for adult audiences this fact should be noted in all newspaper advertisements with respect to the exhibition of such film. Considerable difficulty was experienced in enforcing this regulation, and it was found that even where a notification was given in the advertisement it was often so worded that it would not be effective as an indication to the public of the Censor's recommendation. An amendment was therefore made to the regulation providing that in every newspaper advertisement the nature of the Censor's certificate should be indicated in a prescribed wording. The amendment also provided for the exhibition of a notice with respect to the Censor's certificate in the lobby of the theatre over the ticket-box. Inspection. —During the year a fairly complete inspection of cinematograph theatres was carried out. The conditions found were generally satisfactory and an improved standard of projection-room equipment was observed. Examination of the British " quota " records required to be kept under the Act shows thai practically all theatres are exhibiting a much larger proportion of British films than is required by the Act—in most cases at least double. It was found necessary to call the attention of a number of the licensees to the requirements of the amending regulations regarding the notification of the Censor's certificate. In view of the short time these regulations have been in force, however, the compliance was reasonably satisfactory. Licensees' attention has also been called to failures to screen the censorship certificate, which is required by the regulations to be attached to every film. No prosecutions were taken during the year. Advisory Committee under the Cinematograph Films Act. A number of meetings of this Committee were held during the year, and the following matters were discussed : — (1) Censorship of Posters Regulations : Exception was taken by the film renters to the examination of press sheets by the Censor, but after a considerable amount of discussion an agreement was arrived at as to the method of notification of the Censor's decision, which met reasonably the convenience of the trade. (2) Representations were submitted by exhibitors regarding the taxation on rental payments to the suppliers of sound-projection equipment. As a result of the discussion further representation was made to the Right Hon. the Minister of Finance, and the law was amended to meet the position. (3) The proposed amending regulations regarding the notification to the public of the Censor's decision in respect of feature films were discussed at some length, several meetings being held to consider the draft regulations. Some modifications were made, and the Committee approved the regulations in the form in which they were finally gazetted. Censorship. Two thousand and sixty films of all classes, of a total length of 5,213,870 ft., were examined. Of this number, 62 were rejected in the first instance and 230 were passed subject to excisions. An analysis of the work shows—

Quota Films. —This class may be described as " feature " films exceeding 3,000 ft. in length, with the exceptions stipulated in section 27 of the Act. The countries of origin of the 487 quota films are as follow : Great Britain 108, Australia 6, United States of America 369, Germany 3, and Russia 1. The British quota films increased by twenty-four as compared with last year, and an outstanding feature is the inclusion of six films made in Australia. Rejections. —Of the sixty-two films which were rejected, forty-eight were " quota " and fourteen " non-quota." Two of these " quota " films were of British origin, one German, one Russian, and forty-four American, while the whole of the fourteen " non-quota " films were of American origin. Appeals. —The Act prescribes a right of appeal from every decision of the Censor, and the regulations provide, inter alia, for the appointment of a Board of three persons, one of whom shall be chairman. It is further provided that the decision of not less than two members shall be the decision of the Board, and that such decision shall be final. The personnel of the Board at present is— Mr. W. G. Riddell (Chairman), and Mesdames Florence Righton and Katherine Preston. Twenty appeals were considered by the Board, and in eight cases the Censor's decision was reversed, while in twelve cases it was upheld. The Act provides that the approval of the Censor shall not be given with respect to any film or to any part of a film which in his opinion depicts any matter that is contrary to public order or decency, or the exhibition of which would for any other reason be undesirable in the public interest, and observance of this provision is the general rule followed by the Board in coming to its decisions.

3—H. 22.

11

Quota or Long Films. Non-quota or Short Films. Origin. j Number. Length. Number. Length. . . Ft. Ft. British .. .. .. 114 739,360 361 381,980 Foreign .. 373 2,874,390 1,212 1,218,140 487 3,613,750 1,573 1,600,120

H.—22

Conditional Approval, —The approval by the Censor of any film may be absolute, or may be given subject to a condition that the film may be exhibited only to a specified class or to specified classes of persons. Of the 439 " quota " films that were approved for exhibition, some 165 were passed with recommendations that they were more suitable for adult audiences, and it is significant that so large a number was deemed to be unsuitable for children. This classification is intended to convey a warning to parents or guardians, but places no obligation on exhibitors to exclude children. The experience everywhere in New Zealand, in common with other parts of the British Empire, shows that the dialogue of sound films more acutely emphasizes delicate situations as compared with the system of titling which prevailed in the silent films, and doubtless it is this factor which materially contributes to the increase during recent years of the number of approvals subjected to conditions. Film Subjects. —It is observed that film subjects go in cycles, and a good reception by the public of a particular theme induces producing companies to make films on similar lines. Thus the gangster and racketeering stories of the United States of America have been much in evidence, but it is doubtful whether domestic problems peculiar to one country are appreciated to the same extent in other countries. A preponderance of the films shown in New Zealand originate in the United States of America, and it is not unnatural that the history and the social and political problems of that country should predominate in forming the basis of so many films exhibited in this country. Dominion Museum. New Museum. —The commencement of building operations on the Mount Cook site brings the opening of the new museum within a definite time. The work of preparing the exhibits and labels is therefore proceeding apace with routine work. Special attention is being given to the preparation of exhibits of a directly educational character, especially those which will serve as an introduction to the principal collections in the museum. It would be desirable to show in the Dominion Museum a series of exhibits illustrating the industries of the Dominion, and especially the activities of such Government Departments as the Forestry, Agriculture, Industries and Commerce, and Fisheries. Such, however, would require an addition to the museum galleries of nearly the same area as those provided in the new building. Maori Ethnology. —The Sydney Street store is now open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on week-days, except Saturday. Most visitors to the museum also view the Maori collections. Work is proceeding with the larger Maori exhibits. Barge boards have been completed for the Turanga house, and a prow-piece, replica of an old one in the Berlin Museum, has been made for the canoe " Te Heke Rangatira." The principal addition to the Maori collection was a series of eleven carvings from Te Kooti's meeting-house at Mataatua in the Urewera Country. The panels were found to be lying on the ground without any protection from the weather, and it is obvious that if steps had not been taken for their removal to the museum these historical carvings would have been lost through decay. Other Collections. —Very little expenditure for collecting has been incurred, but opportunity has been taken of members of the staff travelling for other purposes to collect in the localities visited. In this way small collections of plants, insects, fishes, and rocks have been made at Mount Egmont, Mount Ruapehu, Marlborough Sounds, Rotorua, and Napier. Collections received as exchanges from overseas include West Africa Mollusca from Mr. W. H. Weeks, New York ; Cambrian Brachiopods from the United States National Museum ; and plants from the University of California. The transference to the museum of Dr. Cockayne's botanical collections was completed during the year. Visit of Representative of Carnegie Corporation. —Mr. S. F. Markham, representing the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Museums Association of London, made a tour of New Zealand, and, accompanied by the Director of the Dominion Museum, visited every museum and art gallery in the Dominion. A joint report has been compiled, which is being submitted to the Carnegie Corporation, and it is hoped that, acting on the recommendations contained therein, the Corporation will approve of a policy of assistance to the various museums and art galleries of New Zealand. Mr. Markham's visit has undoubtedly been a helpful stimulus to the museum and art gallery service of the Dominion. Moreover, by his advice he has directed museum curators along lines designed better to educate the public, and more in accordance with modern practices in Europe and America. At the same time he pointed out that for the museum and art gallery service to advance in New Zealand much more financial aid than is given at present is required. International Exchange Service. —Thirty-one cases of publications from the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, and several parcels from Belgium, Italy, Germany, and China, have been received and distributed to various recipients throughout the Dominion. Publications. —Two of the late Mr. Best's manuscripts still await publication. The following papers were published by members of the staff during the year : Miss E. M. Heine, " New Zealand Species of Xiphophora " ; Mr. W. J. Phillipps : " Canoe-poling on the Whanganui River " ; " Notes on New Fishes from New Zealand " ; " Some New Opiliones from New Zealand " (with R. E. R. Grimmett). Alexander Turnbull Library. Cataloguing. —The number of volumes classified, numbered, and arranged in order on the shelves is now 39,250. There has been practically no binding done. Additions. —About 233 volumes, including 159 donated, were added to the library ; those added by purchase being continuations of sets. Donations. —The chief of these are the following : His Excellency Lord Bledisloe—(1) " A Conspectus of Recent Agricultural Research " (Cawthron lecture), and (2) " Report on Excavation . . . of Roman site, Lydney Park" ; Gerald FitzGerald — Volume of original verses; Sir George Fowlds—Many pamphlets and miscellaneous publications ; Roman Catholic Mission, British

12

H,—22

Solomon Islands—Various publications in Native dialects ; Melanesian Mission Press—Publications in Native dialects, Solomon Islands ; Mrs. Douglas Blair—Original stories by Pacific Waters ; Neilson Barry—" Columbia River Exploration "; P. Lockwood — Practical Magazine: a Cyclopedia of Industrial Information (6 vols.) ; G. B. Wilson—" Sketch-history of Tararua, Rimutaka, and Haurangi Reserves," and copies of Tararua Tramper; A. G. Adams—Set of Al Magazine; R. W. de Montalk—" Voyage Autour de Monde . . . sur la Corvette 'La Coquille,' " par M. Lesson, 1839 (4 vols.) ; Estate of J. C. Hannah —Logbook of the " Seahorse " ; Lancelot Watson—" Story of Oxford (Canterbury, N.Z.) " ; John Moore—" The Works of Josephus ";A. C. Hanlon —Original poems (three series) ; J. Prendeville—" Jubilee of Rugby Football in Wellington " ; E. Vine— " Ideas upon . . . painting in Oil " (MS.) ; Kate Gerard—Original verses ; F. W. Petterd— " Catalogue of Minerals of Tasmania "; G. Young—" Bible in Erse ";F. W. Reed—" Review of the Voyage of the ' Astrolabe '" ; Dr. W. E. Redman—" Mysteries of Paris" by E. Sue, and the " Redmans of Levens and Harewood " ; Mrs. H. A. Hurrell—" The Self-interpreting Bible "(4 vols.), " Poetical Works of Ed. Young," " Henry Kirke White " ; James Macdonald —" Journalist," by Nicoll and others "; K. Murray —Photos of old Auckland, &c. ;G. N. Thomson—" Pioneer Medical Men of Taranaki " ; W. N. Willis— The Freethought Review, complete in two volumes ; Miss A. W. M. Busby— Six wash drawings, Taranaki and Auckland ; Deaconess E. Hope—Letter journals and correspondence of Captain (later Rear Admiral) C. W. Hope during the time the " Brisk " was in New Zealand and Pacific waters, 1865-68. Particular attention is drawn to the historical value of the Hope journals and of the wash drawings from Miss Busby. " The Voyage of the ' Coquille,' " presented by Mr. de Montalk, is an edition that was not previously on the shelving of the library. Warm appreciation is expressed to all the donors who have been so liberal in times when the collection otherwise can be added to only sparingly. Readers and Students. —Sixty-six new readers' permits were issued, and students have been working regularly in the library through the year, day and evening. The principal subjects studied were New Zealand politics, aspects of Maori life and history, provincial and district histories, and biographies of various New Zealand statesmen. The classics and English literature, including drama and poetry, have as usual been much used. As noted before, students come from the chief towns of New Zealand to obtain information for theses, and authors for information of various kinds. An interesting student was Professor Waldo H. Dunn, Professor of English Literature, University College, Wooster, Ohio, who spent about three months in the library in search of material for writing a life of the late Sir Robert Stout, and who expressed his delight at the discovery of not only material for this work, but much that helped him in his own professorial work. Prior to his departure he made a statement in the press, part of which might well be quoted here : — " The thing I should like to impress on the public of New Zealand is that the Turnbull collection is not like that of the ordinary library, but contains rare books —books which cannot be found outside the world's greatest centres, such as the British Museum, the Bodleian Library, the Congressional Library at Washington, and the libraries of Yale and Harvard. If this library were in America it would be placed in charge of a competent board of trustees, real book-lovers and enthusiasts, who would endeavour to keep the general public carefully informed as to its needs and possibilities." Visitors. —There were about one thousand visitors, as compared with about six hundred and thirty in the preceding year. Correspondence. —Many inquiries have been received regarding books and pictures and their values, historical subjects, &c. Inward and outward communications number about two thousand. Conclusion. To all the officers of the Department I wish to convey my appreciation of their loyalty and of the assistance extended to me at all times. I also wish to thank those officers of other Departments with whom I have been associated for their co-operation and material help.

Approximate Coat of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (525 copies), £16 10s.

By Authority : G. H. Lonbt, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 933. Price 6d.]

13